Senate prepares for VP Duterte impeachment trial

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has ordered the organization of administrative support for the Senate to function as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte's trial.

He confirmed issuing Special Order 2025-015, designating the Senate Secretary as the Clerk of Court for non-judicial functions, including managing documentation, serving notices, preparing the court calendar, administering oaths, and overseeing pleadings and security.

The Sergeant-at-Arms will be responsible for serving summons and subpoenas, providing status reports, and implementing security and decorum measures.

Escudero previously estimated that the impeachment trial could conclude by October 2025, with pre-impeachment proceedings extending through June 30 and the trial possibly starting in late July.

He noted that the 20th Congress would handle the majority of the trial due to the timeline and the need for open sessions.